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Feb-8-2024
A Poet Plus Poetry Contest
Sponsor- Kim Rodrigus
~ Placed First~

 

Was it a sheer accident that I became a poet? Poetry, I didn’t pursue, rather it cropped up As a late-night guest, quite unexpected. A teacher’s career, I have been bent upon And prefer to be known more as a teacher than a poet. In my eyes, teachers are a venerable sort, Happy that I could belong to that ‘special’ lot, Instilling in young ones - newer insights gleaned, Enriching their lives - with atoms of knowledge pooled, Brightening their paths - with millions of lanterns lit, Rowing them away - from the perilous shoals of life, And leading them to be anchored on safer shores! A teacher sure stands taller above, Every other mortal who serves!! Numerous are the guise a teacher has to put on, And cleverer the tricks she has to play, To tackle the wards in her all-out care, And launch them out into a world to fare. I have played all at once myriad roles, More of a mentor and not just a tutor, A physician who heals, a nurse who tends, A parent who cares or a pal who shares, A patron who supports or a lawyer who argues, A scholar who learns and a master who trains. As Christ taught his disciples - with parables many, As Socrates instructed the youth - through endless queries, As Sullivan led Keller - to the new dawn of light, As Aesop enlightened kids - with countless tales, I strove to be a TEACHER. An erudite soul with a mission! A sculptor who sees an angel, veiled within a rock! An architect building an edifice to last a lifetime! A warrior uncompromising in war, On Ignorance – the most ignoble foe! I don’t know where I presently stand, Nor do I know how my students would rate me, Though often floundered or failed to act, In the manner I ever so longed to do, I would rather be a TEACHER all my life, A ‘guru’ out and out, from hilt to heel. And I would wear that mantle with pride!

Copyright © | Year Posted 2024




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Date: 2/24/2024 2:03:00 PM
I have read your winning work and found it very interesting. Congratulations. Way to go. Sara K
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Date: 2/23/2024 11:39:00 AM
Wow, the teacher in you has brought out the best in this poem. You do wear the mantle of a teacher with pride. Congrats on your win, Valsa.
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Date: 2/23/2024 6:33:00 AM
A teacher is indeed a worthwhile career with special benefits! Congratulations, Poet!
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George Avatar
Valsa George
Date: 2/23/2024 10:08:00 PM
Thank you dear Kim for the great placement you have given me. Also, a chance to parade myself as a teacher. :)
Date: 2/19/2024 9:15:00 AM
Lovely writing and so glad to have teachers like you :) A true blessing to all. God bless you always, with love, Gina
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Date: 2/13/2024 7:06:00 PM
What a blessing you are to the world my dear friend in all you do, love this poem , the love within you to spread to the world flows throughout your poetry
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Date: 2/11/2024 9:11:00 PM
Such an honorable profession dear Valsa and in such a wonderful way you let us all know about it. How wonderful it must be to mold young minds and educate them. A wonderful poem. Thank you for sharing.
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Date: 2/10/2024 6:59:00 AM
Ah dear sweet valsa! Wow i didnt know you were a teacher, no wonder the way you leave comments is so thorough and like a review that feels like you felt and saw what we try to deliver. I absolutely love this poem so very much. The flow depth and the way youv woven words too is so very creative! I especially loved the lantern light and how youv mentioned “ I have played all at once myriad roles, More of a mentor and not just a tutor, A physician who heals, a nurse who tends,“ ah that hits home
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Ink Empress
Date: 2/10/2024 7:01:00 AM
I am so glad you are what youve worked for today, Dear valsa, and im sure your students will rate you really high too, you must be kind and empathetic, and i can feel that through your poetry too, pleasure reading this! Definitely a fave for me
Date: 2/8/2024 9:56:00 PM
Oh, dearest poetess, so you're a brilliant teacher and an amazing poetess! What a lovely combination.. You've so beautifully presented the feelings that live in the hearts of those who give lessons of life in their elixir of education. I can truly connect with this beautiful piece as, my maternal grandma retired as a Principal. And my mumma is a doctor, who has been a professor in medical college, teaching the to-be doctors. There's indeed a sense of pride and moral values, that thrives in the
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George Avatar
Valsa George
Date: 2/10/2024 3:47:00 AM
Glad to know that you have such a beautiful lineage. Even we are primarily a family of teachers. Three of my siblings and three of my husband's siblings were college teachers. My father has been a schoolteacher. I used to love my teachers from the primary level to the university level and have great respect for most of them. Now with ebbing values, they are not worthy of great respect.... sad. Thanks a lot Hiya for your lovely comment.
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Hiya Sharma
Date: 2/8/2024 9:58:00 PM
Core essence of teachers. I have utmost respect for them and for you as well! :) I can't possibly choose a favorite line in this piece because whole of this has touched my heart with its ethereal qualities. And you've so rightly said "A ‘guru’ out and out, from hilt to heel.And I would wear that mantle with pride!" Love that!! Sending you many best wishes and light, always :) keep writing and shining.
Date: 2/8/2024 3:23:00 PM
So believable and straight from your heart and soul. May God's Love comfort you and His spirit guide you, forever. Love Bill
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Date: 2/8/2024 3:22:00 PM
Bravo, my dear friend and fellow teacher / poet. An excellent entry for the contest, that should place well. Teaching, preaching, coaching, and poetry have been the driving force in my life over these last seventy years. God has blessed me with the gift of teaching and His spirit has guided me along this long path. I believe this is one of my favorite poems that you have shared with us, Valsa.
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Date: 2/8/2024 2:44:00 PM
outstanding and captivating poem about teachers...I taught for most of my life and echo the sentiments in your poem--all the roles teachers play is mindboggling when I reflect upon it. It is, though, a purposeful and honorable profession. I imagine you were an exemplary teacher. You have a teacher's heart & spirit, I can see that. A wonderful poem....well done, Valsa...have a great evening, hugs, Sara
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Date: 2/8/2024 1:47:00 PM
Being both is the best and your students have you dear Valsa. Both sides compliments the real you. "A warrior uncompromising in war." You have all it takes to venture into anything and thrive in all those passion. Teachers are never appreciated enough but they are a gift to mankind. You being a poet? It has lived in you since birth, whichever way... You're still a creative and a creator.
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Date: 2/8/2024 12:54:00 PM
Dear Valsa, this heartfelt expression stems from your unwavering dedication to education, guidance, and embracing diverse roles as an esteemed educator. Your profound poem resonates deeply with your sacred calling. It ignites a fervent passion within me and validates the abundant rewards for those who have consciously chosen or have been entrusted with the noble task of teaching. May your hands continue to be blessed as you persist in your invaluable work, dear friend.
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Date: 2/8/2024 11:17:00 AM
Dearest Valsa, this flows from your passion to teach, to mentor, to wear the many hats, and "mantle, of one who has chosen to teach or has been chosen to teach! This poem is so wonderfully spoken and speaks to you ministry. Somehow I can't seem to shed the gift of teaching try as I might. Sometimes, that role returns to me over and over. Your wonderful poem stokes that fire in me and affirms the blessings for all who chose to teach. Blessings on the continued work of your hands, dear friend!
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Date: 2/8/2024 9:50:00 AM
The one professional I truly respect is my teacher. They are most generous and unselfish people in the world. This stanza tells it all, "I have played all at once myriad roles, More of a mentor and not just a tutor, A physician who heals, a nurse who tends, A parent who cares or a pal who shares, A patron who supports or a lawyer who argues, A scholar who learns and a master who trains."
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Date: 2/8/2024 2:47:00 AM
In the sixties I worked for ten rears as a teacher. Primary school where I was expected to teach everything. No prospects for promotions, so I became a Civil Servant, an administrative Officer. Ended Director high grade. I thank God for it. I was not too patient with children. But I respect teachers.
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Date: 2/8/2024 2:37:00 AM
- Being a teacher has many challenges, Valsa - A lovely poem :) - Best wishes in the contest :) - hugs
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Date: 2/8/2024 12:46:00 AM
It is a very fulfilling life, Valsa, to be a teacher and mentor students, shape lives, at times counsel parents even. Beautifully penned as always.
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Date: 2/8/2024 12:23:00 AM
Dear Vaisa, being the bird of same feather, I appreciate your feelings. Teaching is a great profession. I am just curious to know, which subject do you teach ? Eventually I have explored different fields, yet. . Mathematics is my most favorite subject. Love.
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Valsa George
Date: 2/8/2024 1:31:00 AM
So we are primarily teachers! I have been teaching undergraduate and graduate students in a college. I belonged to the Dept. of English. I am very poor in Mathematics, your favorite subject :) Thanks Anisha.

Book: Shattered Sighs